Destination guide: African safari holiday under the stars

Discover glamping like you’ve never seen it before

The latest trend in safaris promises just that . . . with nothing between you and the magnificent flora and fauna of the bushveld but a sheet of canvas.

Glamping is the hottest thing on the savannah right now and Tydon African Safaris offers the very best in off-grid camping with the chance to experience the sounds, sights and smells of a true safari.

It has three spectacular tented camps in the Greater Kruger National Park, each offering something different, and the jewel in the crown can be found in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Access to this private reserve, known as the gold standard of safari experiences in South Africa, is usually restricted to guests staying in luxury safari lodges on the reserve but now intrepid travellers can stay in Tydon Bush Camp.

Sabi Sands, located in a vast conservation area renowned for its biodiversity and rich cultural history, is one of the best photographic and birding destinations in southern Africa. It’s known for its exceptional leopard sightings in particular, as safari vehicles are allowed to drive off-road to get even closer to the game.

The park is made up of 18 unfenced private game reserves that each offer high-end accommodation in stunning settings and spectacular wildlife sightings. It shares an unfenced 50km boundary with the iconic Kruger National Park and animals have free access to roam the area, which is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region recognised under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere programme.

Along with Tydon Safari Camp and Tydon Eco Camp, the tour operator’s two other camps are nestled on the Greater Kruger’s border close to Shaw’s Gate; these stylish spots offer an ideal exclusive safari retreat that’s more affordable and just as special as traditional luxury lodges.

With so much nature right at the entrance to your tent, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained, not least the chance to spot the big five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo.

Run by Gavin and Vangie van der Merwe, Tydon African Safaris boasts more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and entertainment and the couple love to share their passion for the outdoors and camping with their guests. Days spent at the three Tydon safari camps revolve around stunning early morning and afternoon/evening game drives, hearty meals and complete relaxation. Their specialty is guided bush walks, the perfect way to experience the African bush.

The tented safari camps have a low environmental impact and children especially, will relish the joy of sand under their bare feet and star-gazing at night while sitting around a roaring fire.

For those keen to experience Sabi Sands, Tydon Bush Camp is tucked away in a cosy corner of the reserve. It’s an intimate camp sleeping up to eight people in four en-suite semi-luxury permanent tents set in beautiful bushveld surroundings. The bush camp is tranquil and completely private; children aged 16 and older are welcome.

The two family camps near Shaw’s Gate both sleep up to 14 people: Tydon Safari Camp offers seven en-suite semi-luxury permanent tents and at Tydon Eco Camp, which only uses solar and gas power, there are seven semi-luxury tents, each with their own private bathrooms. Children of all ages are welcome at both.

Travellers can select the self-drive option or opt for an all-inclusive safari package ranging from three to seven days with daily guided game drives, including safari tours into the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands, night drives to spot animals under cover of darkness and visiting historical towns and sights on the famous Panorama Route.

To book a special safari with a difference, visit Tydon African Safaris.